U.S. patent number 5,941,450 [Application Number 08/873,346] was granted by the patent office on 1999-08-24 for apparatus for connected file folders.
Invention is credited to Frank F. De Safey.
United States Patent |
5,941,450 |
De Safey |
August 24, 1999 |
Apparatus for connected file folders
Abstract
A coupling member is disclosed for connecting together adjacent
hanging file folders. An elongate member includes a slot is formed
along the full length thereof and positioned to receive the upper
edges of the leaves of two adjacent folders. In a preferred
embodiment, the slot is defined by two spaced-apart surfaces which
extend into the interior region of the elongate member. The
interior region may be solid or may be partially or fully hollow.
The elongate member has any one of a number of cross-sectional
profiles, including semi-circular, rectilinear, triangular and
concave shaped profiles. In another embodiment of the present
invention, the coupling member includes two slots each for
receiving one of two adjacent folders.
Inventors: |
De Safey; Frank F. (Cupertino,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
46253482 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/873,346 |
Filed: |
June 10, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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503703 |
Jul 18, 1995 |
5692673 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/67.2;
312/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F
15/0035 (20130101); B42F 15/023 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B42F
15/00 (20060101); B42F 15/02 (20060101); B65D
003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;229/67.1,67.2,67.4,69
;383/68,69,78,93,107,33,35 ;312/184 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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204591 |
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May 1966 |
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SE |
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508740 |
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Jul 1939 |
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GB |
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526470 |
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Sep 1940 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Pascua; Jes F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schneck; Thomas Yee; George
B.F.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/503,703,
filed Jul. 18, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,673.
Claims
I claim:
1. In a system of hanging-type folder, each folder having a
suspending rod passing through upper edge portions thereof, ends of
said rods having notches formed therein, a folder interlocking
member for coupling together two adjacent ones of said hanging-type
folders, the folder interlocking member comprising:
a resilient elongate member extending a length substantially equal
to the width of one of said hanging-type folders;
said elongate member being selectively detachable from said
hanging-type folders;
said elongate member having friction means for frictionally
engaging said upper edge portions of adjacent leaves of said
adjacent hanging-type folders, including a single slotted opening
formed along a length of said elongate member for insertion
thereinto of said upper edge portions, said slotted opening being
dimensioned to exhibit flexure upon insertion of said upper edge
portions, a secure attachment being maintained by a restoring force
of said elongate member;
said elongate member having an upper portion disposed in opposed
relation to said single slotted opening for occluding the gap
between adjacent leaves of adjacent folders, said upper portion
extending substantially the full length of said elongate member so
as to occlude the gap substantially along the full width of said
adjacent leaves;
said elongate member having notched ends coextensive with said
notches of said rods.
2. The folder interlocking member of claim 1 wherein said
detachable elongate member has either a circular, rectilinear, or
triangular cross section.
3. The folder interlocking member of claim 1 wherein said
detachable elongate member is substantially a solid member.
4. The folder interlocking member of claim 1 wherein said friction
means further includes two substantially parallel spaced apart
surfaces extending from said single slotted opening into an
interior region of said elongate member.
5. The folder interlocking member of claim 4 wherein one of said
spaced apart surfaces is textured for increased frictional contact
with an inserted upper edge portion of a leaf of a folder.
6. The folder interlocking member of claim 4 wherein both of said
spaced apart surfaces are textured for increased frictional contact
with an inserted upper edge portion of a leaf of a folder.
7. In a system of hanging-type folders, each folder having a
suspending rod passing through upper edge portions thereof, ends of
said rods having notches formed therein, a folder interlocking
member for coupling together two adjacent ones of said hanging-type
folders, the folder interlocking member comprising:
a detachable elongate member extending a length substantially equal
to the width of a folder;
said detachable member having a first slotted opening for receiving
an upper edge portion of a leaf of a first folder;
said detachable member having a second slotted opening for
receiving an upper edge portion of a leaf of a folder adjacent said
first folder;
said detachable member having an upper portion disposed in opposed
relation to said slotted openings for preventing formation of a gap
between adjacent leaves of adjacent folders, said upper portion
extending substantially the full length of said detachable
member.
8. The folder interlocking member of claim 7 further including a
partition separating said first and second slotted openings.
9. The folder interlocking member of claim 7 wherein said
detachable member has a substantially circular, rectilinear, or
triangular cross section.
10. The folder interlocking member of claim 7 wherein said
detachable member is substantially a solid member.
11. The folder interlocking member of claim 7 wherein each of said
first and second slotted openings is defined by two substantially
parallel spaced apart surfaces extending into an interior region of
said elongate member to provide friction engaging surfaces for an
inserted leaf of a folder.
12. The folder interlocking member of claim 11 wherein, for each of
said first and second slotted openings, at least one of said spaced
apart surfaces is textured for increased frictional contact with an
inserted leaf of a folder.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to file folders and more
specifically to an apparatus for connecting together hanging file
folders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
File folders are one of the most readily recognized articles in an
office setting. They are the means by which the numerous documents
and other paperwork of a business are organized and maintained.
Improvements in the construction and design of file folders have,
over the years, increased their reliability and their utility. For
example, the hanging folder described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,045 to
Hawes, Jr. et al. discloses a hanging folder having reinforced
strips along its top and bottom edges for protection against wear
to the folder.
File folders typically are placed together in a file drawer so that
each file is positioned adjacent to the next file. Because of such
an arrangement, it occasionally occurs that a document which is
intended to be inserted in a particular file inadvertently falls
between the intended file and an adjacent file. Such misfiled
papers may become lost or are not discovered until after a
time-consuming search has been conducted.
A solution to this problem is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,646
to deNouel, which discloses a suspensible file folder capable of
connecting to an adjacent folder. A permanent magnet is affixed to
one of the folder's two suspension hooks, and is exposed toward the
outside of the folder. A ferromagnetic material is positioned on
the other suspension hook and exposed in the opposite direction. In
this manner, adjacent folders are coupled together by the magnetic
attraction between the magnet of one folder and the ferromagnetic
material of the adjacent folder. The coupling eliminates the space
between folders and therefore the likelihood of misplacing a
document. However, the parts used and the necessary manufacturing
steps contribute significantly to the cost of the folders, and the
additional components significantly increase the weight of folders
so equipped.
Another interconnection mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,294,028 to Reymond. The mechanism is a plate which is fixed to
the surface of one folder and includes a pincer that is molded
unitarily with the plate. The pincer engages with a corresponding
male member attached to an adjacent folder, and thus effectuates a
coupling between the two folders. See generally FIGS. 3-6. Reymond
teaches that such components may be molded from a synthetic resin
material. The Reymond coupling mechanism increases the cost of
manufacture due to the complexity of the molded plate and the
corresponding engagement member located on the adjacent folder.
In addition to misfilings between adjacent folders, it is further
noted that current labeling schemes can be ineffective because the
labels are usually of insufficient size to accommodate a fully
descriptive title for the folder. A solution is offered in a
product known as MAGNIFILES, marketed by ABBOT Office Systems. The
product provides a folder having a coupling mechanism for coupling
adjacent files, and further includes an enlarged area for labeling.
The MAGNIFILES mechanism, however, is integrally formed with file
folders that are specifically designed and manufactured to work
with the mechanism. The folders have hanging members which have a
thick design. This allows the MAGNIFILES mechanism to clamp onto an
adjacent folder.
A shortcoming common to the above-described devices is the
necessity for specially designed matching components. The prior art
devices therefore are not capable of being used with file folders
already in use in today's office environments.
What is needed is a file folder capable of being coupled to another
folder, that is simpler to manufacture than the coupling mechanisms
of the prior art and yet offers the desirous feature of preventing
misfiled documents by eliminating the gap between adjacent folders.
There is further need for a coupling member that can be used with
existing non-connecting hanging file folders, such as the
Pendaflex.RTM. brand hanging folders. It is also desirous to
provide labeling of folders that is more effective than is
presently available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a detachable interlocking
member for coupling together adjacent hanging-type folders,
composed of an elongate member having a single slotted opening
formed along the entire length thereof. The slot is positioned so
as to receive the upper leaf portions of two adjacent folders, and
is dimensioned so that flexure of the slot results upon insertion
of the leaves. The elongate member is resilient so that a restoring
force provides a friction gripping action upon the inserted leaves,
thus maintaining a secure attachment.
An upper portion of the elongate member is disposed both opposite
the slotted opening and along the entire length of the slotted
opening. This upper portion serves to completely occlude or hide
the gap that forms between adjacent folders thus preventing
misfiling of papers.
The detachable interlocking member has a semi-circular cross
section so as to provide a curved surface for mounting file
identification labels. Other profile contours are possible; for
example, a planar surface can be provided for mounting labels
instead of a curved surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the slot formed along the detachable
elongate member includes two spaced-apart surfaces which extend
into the interior of the elongate member. In this way, the inserted
leaf portions engage the slot with significant frictional force,
thus providing a reliable coupling of the adjacent folders, while
at the same time allowing for de-coupling of adjacent folders if so
desired without damaging the folders.
In another embodiment, the detachable elongate member includes a
dual-slotted configuration, each slot receiving the upper leaf
portion of one of two adjacent hanging-type folders.
The coupling member of the present invention greatly enhances
pre-existing hanging type folders such as Pendaflex.RTM. brand
hanging folders, by allowing such folders to be coupled together
thus obviating the purchase of specially designed folders having a
built-in coupling capability. This reduces the cost of upgrading an
existing filing system while at the same time increasing its
utility. Also, since the coupling members are easily de-coupled,
the filing system can be easily reconfigured as needed.
The various embodiments of the present invention are more fully
described with reference to the included drawings and to the
following discussion of the best mode contemplated for practicing
the invention. In the drawings, similar elements of the invention
are referenced by the same reference numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the coupling member used
with a hanging file folder in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlargement of FIG. 1, illustrating the attachment of
the coupling member to the file folder.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
coupling member of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an alternate construction of the
coupling member shown in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are two views of a variation of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment wherein the coupling member
includes a transverse flat surface.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the
coupling member wherein the slot does not include space dapart
surfaces.
FIGS. 9A-9F show cross-sectional views of embodiments which obviate
the adhesive layer.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a folder interlocking (or coupling) member 10 in
accordance with the present invention, attached to one flap 74A of
a hanging file folder 70. The elongate body 11 of the coupling
member 10 generally spans the width of the folder 70. File folders
typically are produced in standard widths to accommodate documents
such as letter size (11 inch) and legal size (14 inch) paper. It
should be apparent, however, that the elongate body 11 can be
easily manufactured to fit any of the standard sized folders, and
more generally can be manufactured to fit folders having
non-standard arbitrary widths. FIG. 1 further shows an adjacent
folder 70', shown in phantom, coupled to the first folder 70 by the
coupling member 10.
FIG. 2 is an enlargement of the circled region in FIG. 1. FIG. 2
shows in greater detail the positioning of the coupling member 10
with respect to the first folder 70 and the adjacent folder 70', as
contemplated in the present invention. The extended portion 50 at
each end of the elongate body 11 extends over the tangs or hooks
72' of the adjacent folder 70' to achieve a more visually pleasing
effect. The additional structures shown in FIG. 2 will now be
explained with further reference to FIG. 3.
Turning to FIG. 3, additional detail is provided in a
cross-sectional view of the elongate body 11. In the preferred
embodiment, the elongate body is a hollow member having a hollow
interior 20. The cross-sectional profile of the elongate body has a
semi-circular shape 26. A flat portion 22 of the semi-circle is
positioned proximal to an exterior surface of the folder 70.
Returning to FIG. 3, the semi-circular profile 26 has a typical
outside diameter measurement D on the order of one-half of one
inch. The vertical measurement V of the flat portion 22 is roughly
one-quarter of one inch. An adhesive strip 40 disposed along the
flat portion 22 provides attachment of the coupling member 10 to
the folder 70 by being pressed against the surface of the folder.
It is to be noted that the elongate body 11 need not be fully
hollow as shown in FIG. 3, and may be composed of a solid member or
be formed with an interior region having some internal
structure.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the slot 24 is further defined by two
spaced apart parallel surfaces 30, 32. As can be seen in FIG. 3,
the first surface 32 is formed by extending a portion 34 of the
elongate body 11 into its interior 20. The opposite surface 30 is
conveniently obtained as the interior surface of the flat portion
22. It is noted that, alternatively, the opposite surface 30 may be
formed independently of the flat portion 22. That is, another
portion (not shown) of the elongate body 11 may be extended into
the interior 20 to define a surface opposite to the first surface
32, in much the same way that the first surface is formed.
The opposed surfaces 30, 32 are separated by a distance at most
equal to the thickness of the lip of an adjacent folder 70',
typically on the order of one sixteenth of an inch. When the lip is
inserted into the slot 24, the action tends to widen the slot
causing the surfaces to flex. This flexure results in a force which
tends to return the surfaces to their original unflexed positions.
The closing tendency, along with the contact surface area between
the lip and the surfaces 30, 32, provide a very reliable friction
fit of the adjacent folder. This arrangement allows for use with
existing file folders since special coupling mechanisms or
specially designed folders such as described in the prior art are
not required.
As can be seen in each of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the elongate body 11
occludes the gap between the two adjacent folders 70, 70' that are
connected together by the coupling member 10, thereby eliminating
the possibility of inadvertently misfiling a document between the
two folders. The slot 24 is preferably formed close to the flat
portion 22 so that the spacing between folders is kept to a
minimum. However, the slot may be spaced apart from the flat
portion without affecting the utility of the coupling member
10.
Turning to FIG. 2, it is shown that the coupling member 10 further
includes unitarily formed hanging members (tangs) 52 and 54 which
assist in supporting the file folder. It is noted that various
alternate configurations are readily apparent. For example, the
coupling member may be fabricated with just one hanging member 52
or 54, and still provide support for the file folder. One such
configuration is exemplified in FIG. 4, which illustrates a
coupling member having only one hanging member 52.
As an alternative to the adhesive strip 40 shown in FIG. 3, FIGS. 5
and 6 show a hooked notch 42 for providing attachment of the
coupling member 10 to the folder 70. Typically, folders are formed
with slots disposed along the inside surface of the lips for the
insertion of file folder tabs. These slots can be utilized by the
hooked notch 42 for attaching the coupling member.
Referring to FIG. 5, the hooked notch 42 is disposed along the
elongate body 11 and is spaced apart from the flat portion 22. The
notch may be an integral portion of the elongate body 11, or may be
a separate component that is affixed to the elongate body. The lip
71 of the folder is received between the exterior surface of the
flat portion 22 and the notch 42. Turning to FIG. 6, the notch 42
is shown engaged within a slot 74 formed in the folder 70, thereby
pressing the exterior surface of the flat portion 22 against the
folder. The hooked notch 42 allows detachable coupling of the
coupling member 10, and so provides for re-use of the coupling
member.
The hook portion of the notch 42 which fits into the slot may be
oriented in any one of a number directions. In a preferred
embodiment, the coupling member includes two hooked notches 42,
wherein the hook portions are directed away from each other, as
shown in FIG. 6. In an alternate embodiment, the hook portions may
be oriented to face toward each other (not shown) or such that each
faces to the left or to the right (not shown). The arrangement of
the hooks in the notches 42 of the preferred embodiment provides a
secure attachment of the coupling member 10 to the folder 70.
Returning to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the exterior surface of
the coupling member 10 is ideal for use as a labeling area, using
either permanently attached labels or removable labels. Informative
folder titles are possible since the entire exposed portion of the
elongate body 11 is available. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative
embodiment wherein the cross-sectional profile of the coupling
member 12 has a shape that is not semi-circular. In particular,
FIG. 7 shows an elongate body 11 having a rectangular profile with
an upwardly facing flat surface 28. A flat surface further
facilitates the placement of folder identification labels, and if
desired allows for folder titles to be written directly on the
surface. In general, the shape of the cross-sectional profile is
not limited to those shown in the figures; other shapes are
possible including a concave surface, a triangular profile and a
generally rectilinear profile such as a square shape.
FIG. 8 shows a coupling member 14 of the present invention in which
a longitudinal slot 24 is formed simply as an opening into the
interior of the elongate body 11. The slot receives the lip of an
adjacent folder 70' for insertion into the hollow interior 20 of
the coupling member, thereby coupling the two folders 70, 70'
together. The width of the slot 24 is on the order of one-sixteenth
of an inch, so that insertion of the lip of an adjacent folder into
the slot causes some degree of flexure of the elongate body 11,
tending to widen the slot. The closing tendency of the flexed
elongate body 11 serves to grip the lip of the adjacent folder,
thus holding the adjacent folder in place.
FIGS. 9A-9F are cross-sectional views of yet another embodiment of
the invention. The coupling member 110 shown in FIG. 9A is an
elongate resilient member 111 having a slotted opening 124 which is
sufficiently wide to receive two leaves of adjacent folders 70, 70'
shown in phantom, yet flexes so that a restoring force provides a
gripping action upon the inserted leaves. To further enhance the
gripping action, a pair of opposed surfaces 131, 133 extending from
the opening 124 into the interior 120 of the elongate member 111 is
provided. FIG. 9F shows a variation of this embodiment absent the
interior surface 131, the gripping action being provided by the
restoring force at the mouth of-the opening 124 as it clamps onto
the inserted leaves. FIG. 9B shows a variation of FIG. 9A wherein
the elongate body 111' is a solid member.
FIG. 9C shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein the
coupling member 112 comprises two slotted openings 124A, 124B. Each
slotted opening receives a leaf of one of two adjacent folders 70,
70'. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, opposed pairs of
surfaces 131/133, 135/137 extend into the interior region 120 of
the body 111 of the coupling member to provide an increased surface
area for improved frictional engagement with the leaves. FIG. 9D
shows a solid body variation of this embodiment.
FIG. 9E illustrates that the interior surfaces 131-137 of FIGS.
9A-9D can be further enhanced by imparting a texture to the
surface, schematically illustrated by the surfaces 141, 143. The
texture can be part of the manufacturing process, i.e. injection
molding, wherein small corrugations, or line patterns, in the
interior surfaces 141 and 143 increase the frictional contact with
the inserted leaves. FIG. 9E also shows the use of tabs 151, 153
disposed at the mouth of the slotted opening 124. The tabs provide
additional gripping force to securely hold the inserted leaves.
The foregoing has been a description of the best mode contemplated
for practicing the present invention. It is not intended that the
practice of the invention solely be limited to the above-described
embodiments. It is fully understood that enhancements, additions
and modifications may be provided without departing from the spirit
and the scope of the invention. For example, the coupling members
may be manufactured from material such as a PVC-based resin or some
other commonly used type of plastic, or may be formed out of metal
stock such as aluminum. In addition, the coupling members may be
provided in various colors and combinations of colors in order to
further increase their utility. With respect to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4, the depth of the folder 70 need not be
limited to hold the standard eight and one-half inch wide
documents, but can be any arbitrary depth. It is apparent that
various embodiments of the present invention would be well within
the capabilities of a person of ordinary skill in the art and would
fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined
by the claims which follow.
* * * * *